We continue our comparing what this tract teaches with the word of God. “But as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” (John 1:12). The author presented this verse to show that God has given power to become sons of God if one will only believe on him. But here is convincing evidence that the act of believing does not make one a child of God. Note what the verse says. Those that received him, Jesus gave the right or privilege of becoming children of God. Believing didn’t make them children of God, but they have the right to become children of God. None but believers has that privilege. It is obvious that one does not have the privilege to become what he already is. Thus it is clear proof here that the act of believing does not produce salvation.
Then the author states: “Join Christ’s Church.” “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47). Does that verse say those in Acts chapter two, joined Christ’s church? The verse he quoted says that the Lord added them to the church. Why should it be different today? It is not possible to join the Lord’s church. All the saved have been added to the Lord’s church and none of the saved are outside. How many churches did the Lord build? Jesus said in Matt. 16:18, “...and upon this rock I will build my church....” Christ’s church is the church of Christ. Christ did not build a denomination.
Since it is impossible to “Join Christ’s Church” the question is, how does one get into the church? If one is outside of a house and wants to get into the house, he must get into it by the door. That is the way provided. Jesus said, “I am the door” and “He that entereth not by the door...is a thief and a robber” (John 10:1, 7) Now note the door Christ provided for entrance to the church. “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal. 3:26). “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” (Rom. 6:3). To be in Christ is to be in the church (Eph 1:22-23) The entrance into the church is baptism. One is baptized INTO the church.
Now note verse 4. “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even we also should walk in newness of life.” When one repents he ceases the old sinful life. When one is baptized into Christ, he is baptized into death where Christ’s blood was shed. That blood cleanses him from his past sins. Then as Christ was raised from the dead, he also is raised to “walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4).
Now look in Rom 6:17-18. “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, (before they were baptized) but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine (when one repents, he dies to his sins and he is buried by baptism into Christ’s death, then raised to walk in newness of life, is the form of Christ’s death burial and resurrection. That is “that form of doctrine.”) which was delivered to you. Being THEN (When is then? When they obeyed “that form of doctrine.” That is, when they were buried in baptism and raised to walk in newness of life) made free from sin (baptism washes away sins Acts 22:16. When one’s sins are washed away, he is free from sin). When is THEN? When their sins were washed away in baptism. That is when they “became the servants of righteousness.”
In these two articles we have put the teaching in the tract, “God Wants You To Know” along-side of God’s word and found the tract falling way short of the word. Please consider these things in the spirit given. It is never our intention to be offensive in any way. Please study the things I have said and if you think I have erred, please let me know. My only goal is to teach God’s word.
“If any man speak let him speak as the Oracles of God” (I Pet 4:11).
Don H. Noblin
For questions or comments about this article, email Don H. Noblin. If you decide to email me, please include the title of the article. Thank you.